The Town of Orangeville was assigned strong mayor powers on May 1, 2025, by the Province of Ontario under the Municipal Act, 2001.

What are strong mayor powers? 

Under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, the mayor has been given additional powers and duties to make decisions and provide directions to municipal staff. The reason provided by the province for strong mayor powers is to allow mayors to move forward provincial priorities, such as addressing the housing crisis. These powers include: 

  • Bringing matters and bylaws to Council that the mayor believes could move provincial priorities forward.
  • Vetoing certain bylaws passed by council if the mayor believes any part of the bylaw could interfere with provincial priorities, which council may vote to override.
  • Proposing the annual municipal budget. Council may propose amendments to the draft budget, which the mayor has the power to veto. Council is allowed to vote to override the veto.
  • Appointing the Town’s chief administrative officer (CAO), hiring and dismissing certain staff, or deciding the organizational structure of the Town.
  • Creating specific types of committees, assigning their goals and purpose, and choosing the chair and vice-chair for committees and local boards.
  • Directing Town staff to research and provide advice on policies and programs, or perform duties related to use of mayoral powers. 

Is the mayor required to use these powers? 

The mayor may choose to delegate some of the powers and duties that are included in the strong mayor powers. To do so, the mayor must put the delegations in writing as an official act. Some powers cannot be delegated and can only be used by the mayor, if they choose to use them. 

Does the mayor need to inform the public when using these powers? 
To use strong mayor powers, the mayor must put them in writing and make them available to the public under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protections of Privacy Act. The Town of Orangeville lists all mayoral decisions and directions made by using strong mayor powers below. 

What does the council override process mean? 
Council may choose to override a veto used by the mayor. To do so, they must pass a vote to veto with two-thirds of the council members voting in favour. If less than two-thirds of council members vote in favour, the veto remains in place. 
Decisions and directions by the mayor
DateNumberSubject matter
 2025-05-05 MDI-2025-001

 Direction to staff to prepare the 2026 budget
2025-05-05 MDE-2025-001

To delegate the powers regarding organizational structure, including employment matters, to the CAO
2025-05-05 MDE-2025-002

To delegate the powers regarding appointment of the CAO, to Council
2025-05-05 MDE-2025-003

To delegate the powers regarding the appointment of chairs and vice-chairs of prescribed local board, to the local boards
2025-05-05 MDE-2025-004

To delegate the powers regarding committees, to Council
2025-05-12 MDE-2025-005

To give written notice of approval of by-laws from May 12, 2025 Council meeting